Tanzania, Malawi reach COSAFA Women’s Championship final

The COSAFA Women’s Championship 2021 final will be a battle between Tanzania and Malawi on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

To book a place in the final Twiga Stars stopped Zambia 3-2 on penalty shoot outs after the first semi final ended 1-1 after 90 minutes this afternoon.

Malawi also got their first win ever over South Africa in this competition since it started with a 3-2 score line in the second semi final.

In the first match Tanzania benefitted from a Lushomo Mweemba own goal after 16 minutes. She tried to clear a Mwanahamisi Omary Shurua shot, but deflected the ball into the net.

The Zambian team continued to push infront, but the Twiga Stars defenders stood firm. In the second half Zambia skipper Grace Chanda made it 1-1 with a well timed long shot after 69 minutes that beat Twiga Stars’ goalkeeper Janeth Simba who had moved off her line.

Tanzania’s coach Bakari Nyundo Shime later replaced goalkeeper Simba and brought Zubeda Mgunda who proved a penalty specialist when she saved three kicks.

“This is a very sweet win because it is our first time to get to the final of this tournament. We played against a very strong team and now we have to go and plan for the final,” said Tanzania’s coach Shime.

In the second game Malawi made sure they revenged against the Banyana Banyana side that defeated them 2-1 in the group stage.

Sabinah Thom netted a brace, while Fazila Chembekezo added the other for Malawi. Sibulele Cecilia Holweni scored one for South Africa in the first half and converted a penalty late in the second half.

Desiree Ellis, the Banyana Banyana coach said she was disappointed with the defensive mistakes her players committed. “We gave away several balls and gave Malawi a chance to play better football,” said Ellis.

The Malawi coach Mcnelbert Kadzuwa said he was so happy that finally they have got a win against South Africa. “We have always been coming here and get beaten by South Africa. I thank my players for fighting like lions to win the game,” added Kadzuwa.